Once
an ancient Rajput state, formerly known as Mewat, Alwar was nearest to the
imperial Delhi. The people of the state did not accept any external
interferences and daringly resisted against foreign invasions. In the
12th and 13th centuries, they formed a group and raided Delhi. But finally
Sultan Bulban (1267 A.D. - 1287 A.D.) suppressed them, bringing the area
under the Muslims rule. In 1771 A.D. Maharaja Pratap Singh, a Kuchhwaha
Rajput belonging to the clan of Jaipurs rulers, won back Alwar and
founded a principality of his own.

Located in the Alwar district,
Sariska was declared a sanctuary in the year 1955. Spread over an area of
800 sq km (core area 500 sq km), the sanctuary was further given the status
of a National Park in 1979. The topography of the sanctuary is quite similar
to that of Ranthambore National Park. Northern Aravalli range dominates the
Sariska landscape, with sharp cliffs and narrow valleys. Scrub-thorn arid
forests, dry deciduous forests, rocks and grasses, all contribute to the
geographical features of Sariska in Rajasthan, India. The climate of Sariska
is both inconsistent as well as unpredictable.

Sariska National
Park is the heritage of the former rulers of Alwar. Standing as a witness to
the rich historical past of the sanctuary are numerous pavilions and
temples. One of the famous monuments inside Sariska is the Kankwari Fort. As
per the historical records, Mughal emperor Aurangzeb imprisoned his elder
brother, Dara Shikoh, in this fort. Along with that, there is also a palace
inside the Sariska Tiger Reserve built by the former rulers of Alwar. Then,
there is an ancient Shiva temple inside the sanctuary, dating back to the
6th-13th century. The park remains open almost throughout the year, but the
best time to visit is during the months of October to April.

Sariska Palace : A marvellous palace was built here by
Maharaja Jai Singh in the honour of the Duke of Edinburgh during his visit
to the sancturary.Presently, it has been converted into a hotel- Sariska
Palace.

» Places to
Stay in Sariska

The RTDC has done a lot to retain the traditional flavour in its
hotels in and around Sariska. Hotels like RTDC's Khadim, come with AC Deluxe
rooms as well as ordinary rooms, which give a comfortable stay in the city.
There are also Sarai facilities for the pilgrims. The government sponsored
paying guest scheme makes the visitor feel at home.

Air : Delhi 163 km is the nearest airport, which
is well connected to all the major cities which includes Mumbai, Jaipur,
Jodhpur.

Rail : Good connection from prominent
locations in and around the state. Some important train connections .

Road : Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable
deluxe buses from Jaipur. Regular services link Alwar with key destinations
in and not far off Rajasthan and Delhi. The roads are very good, and it
takes around 3-4 hrs from Jaipur. You can also come by taxi. .